A CAMBUSLANG man who celebrated his 102nd birthday earlier this month has been recognised for his commitment to the education of workers throughout his life.

Denis Carpy was presented with a long service silver badge and certificate from the West of Scotland branch of the Workers Education Association, which he joined in 1938.

Along with his late wife, Mona, Denis signed up with the Rutherglen branch because he saw the organisation as progressive and because of its involvement with the Fair Share campaign during the depression.

Denis, like most youngsters of his time, left school at just 13 but he was able to further his education at WEA summer schools throughout his life.

Marc Sherland, the convenor of the West of Scotland branch of the WEA, described Denis as “a remarkable man,” adding: “It‘s not every day we have the opportunity to recognise the work of such a venerable gentleman.

“Denis has done much for the WEA in Scotland, contributing reminiscence chapters to several WEA books now housed in the Mitchell Library and Scotland’s Library in Edinburgh.

“Both his life as a worker and his involvement in education throughout his long life mark him out as that best of all human beings: one who seeks to become ever more enlightened through active learning.”

Denis was born on May 15, 1910 in Cambuslang and was originally called Denis Carpignani.

However, much like the Royal Family, his own family decided to change their name on the outbreak of the First World War due to suspicion against foreigners.

He and his family stayed at 39 Park Street, where he shared a bed with brothers James and John while his sisters Elizabeth and Isabella also shared a bed.

In 1922 the family moved to Dean Avenue in Halfway, which seemed like a mansion compared to their old tenement, with three bedrooms and an indoor toilet.

Two years later, with little guidance available to youngsters, he left St Bride’s school and followed his father into the steel industry, gaining employment as a foreman rigger at the Steel Company of Scotland at Hallside, where his apprenticeship spanned the General Strike on 1926.

A talented musician, Denis taught himself to play the piano and violin and at the age of 17 he formed a three piece band which became the ABC Dance Band. He later toured with a group called Sprig O’ Heather along with his son Jim.

In 1943 Denis moved to the Clyde Nail Company in Newton, eventually becoming the works engineer. When Clyde Nail closed he went on to the Fullwood Foundry in Hamilton before retiring at the age of 65 in 1975.

A keen bowler, he was a member of Cambuslang Bowling Club, holding positions such as president, treasurer and secretary as well as being part of their Glasgow Cup winning side of 1985.

Denis’s wife, Mona, died suddenly in 1979 and tragically their only son James died in 1996.

James’s wife, Felicity, was there to see her father-in-law receive his honour at Buchanan House, where he now stays.

Felicity said: “Denis is so full of life, even at the age of 102, and he surprises me with the things he remembers of his long experience.

“He will wear the silver WEA pin with pride and no doubt take great pride showing it off to the other residents in the home.”

The WEA was founded in 1903 with the aim of promoting the higher education of working men and women at a time when few educational opportunities existed for the working class.